The story of the Baghdad Country Club

Share

During the bloodiest years of the Iraq insurgency, one entrepreneur set out to create an oasis where people could kick back and get a drink. He called it the Baghdad Country Club and it was a place where officials, diplomats and contractors could meet over a few beers.

The bar was started by a businessman named James. He doesn't give his last name because he worries his past selling alcohol could hurt his relations with some of his current partners in Iraq.

Nestled within the military protected Green Zone, the Baghdad Country Club served food, had a patio, and even a weapons check where patrons dropped off their guns and grenades before entering.

Josh Bearman tells the story of this small watering hole and how it was eventually shut down by Green Zone officials.

Guest:

Josh Bearman is a journalist and he wrote about the Baghdad Country Club for the online magazine, The Atavist.

Recently on The Madeleine Brand Show

About The Madeleine Brand Show

The Madeleine Brand Show, exclusively on 89.3 KPCC, 89.1 KUOR and 90.3 KVLA, captures the spirit of the West in a conversational, informal, witty style and examines the cultural issues people are buzzing about. Hosted by Madeleine Brand, and produced by Kristen Muller, Steve Proffitt and Sanden Totten, the show includes regular segments like Weird L.A. - highlighting a person, place or thing that you've never heard about, but probably should; Parenting on the Edge - a weekly discussion on the challenges and pitfalls of raising kids; as well as regular contributors like Luke Burbank, Rico Gagliano, Brendan Newnam and John Moe to help dissect culture, technology and business news.